The southern part of the country, especially Tamil Nadu is known as the Land Of Temples, did you know that already? In Tamil Nadu alone, there are more than 33,000 ancient temples, and if you really want a glimpse of ancient India then you must visit the Southern part of the country for this spiritual experience. You’ll be dazzled by now just how old these temples are and the level of construction methods used thousands of years ago. That is the very reason why we are here with a list of the top 10 famous temples in South India as of 2024. No matter if you are a resident of India or an outsider looking forward to spiritual experiences, you must visit these famous temples. Here we go.
1. Tirupati Venkateswara Temple
If you have ever visited Andhra Pradesh, chances are you have heard of the fabled Tirupati Venkateswara Temple. Rising on the seventh summit of the Tirumala Hills, this temple is an architectural marvel as well as a spiritual refuge. Given its origins in historic kingdoms like the Cholas and Vijayanagara, it makes sense this temple draws millions of people every year, that’s for sure. There is always something intriguing going on here, from the complex ceremonies to the well-known “Sarva Darshan,” or the venerable Tirupati Laddu, you know?
2. Meenakshi Temple
Right in the middle of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is the magnificent Meenakshi Temple, a real tribute to Dravidian construction, you know? This temple, honoring Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, is a center for sure of activity and culture in the state. If you want to visit this temple, and you have it on your bucket list, well, don’t forget to check out wonders like the gopurams, the exquisite sculptures, and the captivating Hall of Thousand Pillar. And yes, the holy pond of the temple, Porthamarai Kulam, provides the calmness that you will not experience anywhere else in the world.
3. Brihadeeswarar Temple
Not less than an architectural wonder, Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, was designed in the 11th century by the eminent Chola king Rajaraja Chola I, this temple honors Lord Shiva. Rising 216 feet high, its vimana is breathtakingly large, and its construction is incredibly precise, you know? Fascinatingly, at noon the shadow of the temple never makes touch with the ground! All in all, with one of the biggest Shiva lingams in India, this UNESCO World Heritage Site provides a window into the splendor of the Chola era.
4. Ramanathaswamy Temple
Craving for an out-of-this-world spiritual experience? Then why not travel to the holy island of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and discover among the twelve Jyotirlinga temples honoring Lord Shiva the Ramanathaswamy Temple? Deeply mythologically significant, this temple is said to be where Lord Rama worshiped Shiva at the time of Ramayana. The longest hallway of any Hindu temple, the 1.2-kilometer length of the temple is its glory, that’s for sure. The temple presents a calm and spiritually enhancing experience with its towering gopurams and holy water bodies like Agni Theertham, you know?
5. Virupaksha Temple
Since the 7th century, this Virupaksha Temple has stood the test of time and kept flourishing even after the collapse of Hampi in 1565. Designed for Lord Shiva, the temple boasts an inverted shadow of the main tower by means of a remarkable nine-tiered gopuram and a pinhole camera effect, you know? The temple’s colorful celebrations, especially the marriage rites between Lord Virupaksha and Goddess Pampa, attract large numbers of people, therefore generating a dynamic and spiritually charged environment all throughout the year.
6. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple at Thiruvananthapuram is a brilliant mix of Dravidian and Kerala architectural forms, that’s for sure. And yes, this temple is among the richest in the world not just for its spiritual value but also for its great hidden treasures. Having 12,008 salagramams, the idol of the Lord is breathtaking. And if you visit during the bi-annual Lakshadeepam festival, you’ll get to see the temple magically lit by hundreds of oil lamps. Keep in mind that a polite visit depends on you adhering to the conventional dress code.
7. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
One of the biggest temples honoring Lord Vishnu, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple covers an amazing 156 acres in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu. A must-visit? Sure, why not! Having 21 soaring gopurams, this architectural wonder is part of the 108 Divya Desams and features the Rajagopuram, 72 meters tall, you know? The temple is a treasure store of Dravidian architecture thanks in great part to its seven concentric enclosures and superb sculptures.
8. Murudeshwar Temple
Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and perched on Kanduka Hill, Murudeshwar Temple in Karnataka presents a singular spiritual and aesthetic experience that you’ll never experience anywhere else in India. Celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, this temple is well-known for its imposing 123-foot Shiva statue, you know, the second-highest Shiva statue in the world. And yes, rising to 237.5 feet, the main temple tower, Raja Gopura offers an amazing panoramic perspective.
9. Chennakeshava Temple
The mesmerizing Chennakeshava Temple, evidence of the artistic genius of the Hoysala era, stands in Belur, Karnataka. Built under King Vishnuvardhana in the 12th century, this temple honors Lord Vishnu. Features of Hoysala architecture are the star-shaped platform and finely detailed soapstone carvings. And yes, especially remarkable is the temple’s Mandapa, which features finely carved pillars, and the Madanikas, celestial dancers fashioned in many attitudes.
10. Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
Last on the list, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is renowned for its demanding pilgrimage when followers go through a 41-day vratham before starting the trip. And yes, the path across the difficult terrain to get to the temple levels up its mystery. For sure, attracting millions to see the revered flame, Makaravilakku is the most important celebration.
Conclusion
All in all, this is only the end of this list, not the end of your spiritual journey in India. Ancient temples are located in every part of the country, you might want to visit those as well if you really want to see the ancient side of India. Alright, we’ll leave you with that suggestion, and we’ll meet you in the next one.
